The Benefits of Drinking Water
Water is the most important nutrient we can ingest…in fact we will only survive about three days without fluids. Most people are going around in a state of mild dehydration and don’t even realise it. Our bodies are in fact made up of approximately 60% water. We maintain our hydration levels not only through drinking water and other fluids but also eating solid foods. So beyond pure survival; here are 5 benefits of drinking water:
Reason 1: Cognitive Performance Improves When You Are Properly Hydrated:
We measure cognitive performance by looking at an individuals critical thinking skills, memory and their ability to concentrate on a particular task. We now know that water is a crucial to allow us to perform at our peak mentally and physically.
At 2% dehydration our cognitive abilities decline. New studies are showing that this decline in cognitive abilities can start to occur as early as a 1% dehydration level. (1) What’s even more important to note is that our thirst signals usually only really kick in when we are already past a state of 1% dehydration!
In women studies have shown that even mild levels of dehydration can cause fatigue, apathy, anxiety, confusion and a reduced feeling of happiness. (2)
Reason 2: Our Physical Energy and Performance Increases with Good Hydration:
When you exercise in extreme temperatures and at high intensities, the benefits of drinking water become even more apparent. Our hydration status will affect both recreational exercisers and athletes by making exercise feel harder, increasing fatigue and reducing motivation to push through. (3)
Make sure to chug at least two 250ml glasses before exercise, and sip water throughout.
Reason 3: Drinking Water Can Improve Weight Loss:
Studies have shown that drinking a half litre of water can elevate the metabolism by 30% for a period of 30-40 minutes after drinking. (4) This seems to be due to the body bringing the water up to body temperature.
There also seems to be some evidence to support the theory that drinking 500ml of water prior to each main meal can help with weight loss. This is perhaps due to increasing our feeling of fullness. It’s worth noting however, that in the study attached, the people involved where taking in fewer calories than they were burning so would have lost weight anyway BUT the intake of water seems to improve weight loss above what would be expected on a hypocaloric diet. (5)
Reason 4: Being Hydrated Can Reduce Your Risk of Bladder and Colon Cancer:
A study involving 47,909 participants over the period of 10 years, found a statistically significant interrelationship between total fluid intake and the risk of developing bladder cancer. Cancer risk reduction is one of the most appealing benefit of drinking water.(6) Participants with the highest intake of water had a 49% lower incidence of bladder cancer. Frequent urination seems to add a level of protection for the bladder. This is because carcinogens have less time to be in contact with the bladder cells.
Water intake alone also seems to be important in the reduction of colon cancer. (7)
Reason 5: Headaches Can Be Reduced With Proper Hydration:
Those of you who suffer with migraines and headaches, know it is no joke. Dehydration can be a trigger for people who are susceptible. (8) (9)
Studies being done on headaches have also discovered that they can be brought on purely by dehydration and that migraine attacks can be prolonged by dehydration also. (10)
So there you have it. Get chugging your water. The benefits of drinking water are huge! No excuses!
Until next time, feel free to message me with any questions!
Carol xoxo